Cybersecurity (CS) Scholars
Program Overview | Program Projects | Program Details | Program Application
- Apply your knowledge
- Increase your research and professional competence
- Engage in substantive computer security research
- Collaborate with talented faculty, science and engineering research professionals, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates
- Build networks with women and minority science and engineering mentors and peers
- Serve as a role model for female and minority high school students
- Enhance your professional portfolio and resume
Program Description
Experience the creativity of the research process, contribute to exciting discoveries, and gain valuable experience through the Cybersecurity REU.
Undergraduate CS Scholars function as integral members of a team-based research project coordinated by a faculty member in the Clark School of Engineering.
The CS REU is open to students majoring in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physical science enrolled in any U.S. college or university, including the University of Maryland. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Each Scholar receives a $4,500 stipend plus a $300 allowance for meals while on-campus. Funding is available to Scholars to defray transportation costs. All Scholars will be provided with on-campus housing.
Teams conduct research for 9 weeks during the summer. Each team consists of up to four Scholars, one Graduate Fellow, and one Faculty Mentor. The advanced members of the team provide supervision, guidance and direction to the Scholars, who are expected to take initiative in fulfilling job responsibilities, completing work assignments, solving problems that arise (such as equipment breaking down), and finding answers to questions (by library research or contacting other research labs, etc.).
CS Scholars are trained in team skills, project organization, and research competencies vital to successful collaboration in science and engineering. The program further addresses issues of concern to women and minorities in science and engineering fields as well as provides information about preparing for graduate school and careers in academia.
Through the research experience, Scholars also participate in selected
activities of the
Exploring Engineering Program, a one-week summer program
for female high school students. Participation in this program
provides an important link in the continuum of mentorship for women and minorities in science and
engineering.
The concluding event of the summer is the CS Scholar's Research Symposium where research teams present posters and reports on their team activities and research results.
Eligible Scholars are provided assistance in pursuing additional funding from University of Maryland sources in order to continue conducting research during the academic year.
Program Goals
- To introduce Scholars to women and minority mentors and role models
- To support Scholars’ achievement in their undergraduate studies in science and engineering fields by applying their academic learning to real-world problems in the area of computer security
- To encourage CS Scholars to pursue graduate degrees and careers in science and engineering
- To provide high-quality opportunities for Scholars to enhance their research knowledge, skill and ability
- To equip Scholars with advanced training in team skills, project management, and research competencies
- To strengthen and support Scholars’ professional development
- CS REU 2012 Projects
- CS REU 2011 Projects
- CS REU 2010 Projects
- CS REU 2009 Projects
- CS REU 2008 Projects
- CS REU 2007 Projects
Room, Board and Transportation
The Cybersecurity REU will provide CS Scholars with housing*. For students who do not
wish to reside in the designated CS REU housing, securing housing is the responsibility
of the applicant.
*To receive housing, students must reside in the location designated for CS Scholars.
Funding is available to defray transportation costs. Requests for assistance must be made at the time of application.
Eligibility
Students majoring in any engineering, physical science, mathematics, or computer
science discipline are strongly encouraged to apply. Students who have completed
a minimum of 24 credit hours of postsecondary coursework (or equivalent) at any
college or university, including the University of Maryland, are eligible. Women
and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. The CS REU Program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent
residents.
Criteria for selecting CS Scholars
- Academic achievement
- Capacity to actively participate in a research team
- The fit between research projects and student’s skills and research/career interests
- Contribution of skills that complement the skills of others on the research team
- Commitment to supporting women and minorities in engineering, mathematics, computer and physical sciences
- Interest in peer mentorship
- Interest in continuing studies in graduate or professional school
Sponsors
- National Science Foundation: The CS REU is made possible through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site (CNS1062820).
- The A. James Clark School of Engineering
2012 Important Dates
Application Deadline: |
Feb. 15, 2012 |
Notification of Acceptance: |
April 4, 2012 |
Program Begins: |
June 4, 2012 |
Program Ends: |
August 3, 2012 |
Application Process
All application materials must be received by February 15, 2012.
- Review the descriptions of 2012 Research Projects and rank your choices.
- Complete the online 2012 Application Form.
- Upload two personal statements, "Program Interest & Career Goals"
and "Support for Women and Minorities in Technical Fields".
- Program Interest & Career Goals (two page maximum): Describe your interest in the CS Scholar internship, indicating how your participation will help further your academic and career goals. Include an explanation of your interest/experience in the project(s) you identified on your application form. This is an opportunity for you to present your experiences, extracurricular activities, strengths,and specific skills.
- Support for Women and Minorities in Technical Fields (one page maximum): Describe your commitment to supporting women and minorities in engineering, mathematics, computer science and physical science.
- Submit request for travel assistance funds and indicate if you will require housing through the CS REU program (Limited funding is available to assist students with travel. Please provide a detailed estimate of your travel expenses to and from the University of Maryland). Please submit this information to mcukier@umd.edu.
- Upload official transcripts from each institution you have attended plus current coursework, if not indicated. The upload option is in the online application.
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references (One reference must be from a science, engineering, or mathematics reference) May be uploaded online by your recommenders. See application for details.
For Additional Information Contact
Dr. Michel Cukier
Assoc. Professor, Clark School of Engineering
(301) 314-2804
mcukier@umd.edu
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